SARAO is pleased to announce that the call for new applications for NRF-SARAO Postgraduate (Honours, Master’s and Doctoral) Scholarships for the academic year 2023 is now open.
BEFORE completing an application form for a SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship, students are advised to read the SARAO Application Guide. Applications are online at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. (download the guide on How to register on NRF Connect for assistance)
Section 1 - Eligibility for SARAO Postgraduate Scholarships for the 2023 Academic Year:
South African citizens and permanent residents
South African citizens and permanent residents, AND citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia
South African citizens and permanent residents, AND citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia
- Bachelor of Science - Honours: in Physics and Electronics or Astronomy or Astrophysics or Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science - Honours at NASSP (National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme)
Students who wish to pursue postgraduate-level research relevant to the scientific and technical goals of the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes – see section 2 for details
Students who wish to pursue postgraduate -level research relevant to the scientific and technical goals of the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes – see section 2 for details
Minimum Academic Requirement:
A minimum average of 65% for major subjects in the final year of undergraduate study
A minimum average of 65% for all subjects at Honours level OR A minimum average of 65% for all final year subjects of a four-year degree
A minimum of 65% at Masters level
See section 2 below. SARAO will only consider Masters/Doctoral scholarship applications from students who have selected an approved 2023 SARAO postgraduate research project.
See section 2 below. SARAO will only consider Masters/ Doctoral scholarship applications from students who have selected an approved 2023 SARAO postgraduate research project.
Age requirement at time of application:
Section 2 - Research Projects for SARAO Masters and Doctoral level for the 2023 Academic Year:
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SARAO will only consider Masters/Doctoral scholarship applications from students who have selected an approved 2023 SARAO postgraduate research project, and obtained a signed agreement from the relevant supervisor stating that they will supervise the student.
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All projects approved by SARAO for postgraduate research for 2023, as well as the contact details of the relevant supervisors, are available at: https://www.sarao.ac.za/students/funding/
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Prior to submitting an application for a SARAO Masters/Doctoral scholarship, students must review the list of approved postgraduate research projects for 2023, and identify a project they wish to pursue for their Masters/Doctoral degree.
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Once a student has identified a project, they must then contact the supervisor of the project to discuss the project and determine if they (the student) have the required qualifications, skills and abilities to undertake the project.
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If the supervisor of the approved project agrees to supervise a student for their Masters/ Doctoral degree, the supervisor must provide the student with a signed letter, on a university letterhead, stating that they have agreed to supervise the student for the relevant project. The student must upload a copy of this letter with their application, as an attachment. SARAO will NOT consider an application if there is no supervision-agreement letter.
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The student must use the details of the research project, as provided on the SARAO website, to complete the “Research Project Information Section” of the application form.
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Students awarded a SARAO Masters/Doctoral scholarship will have to register at the university where the supervisor of the research project is based, and the student will have to undertake their degree at that university.
Note: Supervisors are under no obligation to agree to supervise a student
Section 3 - Value of scholarship (for 2023):
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Honours – R144,700
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Masters – R172, 900
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Doctoral – R180, 430
Section 4 - Maximum duration of a SARAO Scholarship:
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Honours: One year, however, SARAO will provide two years funding to students who register for the NASSP Extended Honours Course
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Masters: Two years
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Doctoral: Three years